Pasta, an easy weeknight meal

Weeknight dinners if not planned, can be stressful especially when I know that my kids will be home from school soon. I typically plan my weeknight meals either, on a weekly or daily basis. I am not a huge fan of after school snacks and therefore prefer to give my kids a healthy meal right after school. I guess you can say that I run a true Caribbean home because dinner is served very early. LOL

On days that are super busy and I have to make a quick dinner that is easy and healthy, my favorite and my kids’ favorite as well is spaghetti. How can you mess that up? A good sauce, good cheese and that is all you need. I usually go for angel hair pasta because the noodle is thinner than regular spaghetti. It’s easier for my kids to eat and enjoy.

To make my easy pasta meal, I use ingredients that are on hand, which make this dish versatile. My best recommendation is to use what you have in the pantry or fridge to make this super easy weeknight meal. The simpler it is the more budget friendly it will be. I am not talking about canned foods. I use a specific tomato sauce brand that I add my own Caribbean spices to make it tastier and the kids love it. And by the way this is the easiest way to hide some vegetables. If you noticed my recipe has spinach, which is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids), manganese, folate, magnesium, iron, copper, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C. Does this sounds too healthy? I don’t think so!!! Also another great advice is, don’t be afraid of using store bought spices. Many of them are great to use, you just have to find the right blend for you. Lastly remember great ingredients make great meals.

My kids like ketchup with their spaghetti. I know many of you are cringing at the thought, but they love it!!

Other veggies you can use are, carrots, bell peppers, peas etc. Add leftover roasted chicken, beef, shrimp, etc. This is a great way to sneak in extra veggies for the kids to eat. Serve this with a green salad for a complete meal.

Instructions

Get started by cooking your pasta based on the package instructions. In a large pan heat the butter or olive oil. Saute the meat, frozen spinach and herbs and spices until spinach is cooked and equally dispersed in pan. Add pasta sauce, saute for 1-2 minutes. Add drained cooked pasta, stir until thoroughly mixed and heated. If you feel the pasta is a little dry add more spaghetti sauce. Sprinkle parmesan cheese and serve.

Notes

My kids like ketchup with their spaghetti. I know many of you are cringing at the thought, but they love it!!
Other veggies you can use are, carrots, bell peppers, peas etc. Add leftover roasted chicken, beef, shrimp, etc. This is a great way to sneak in extra veggies for the kids to eat. Serve this with a green salad for a complete meal.

About Sandra L

A born foodie, Sandra loves to help individuals and families discover the power of home cooked meals as well as providing insights on kitchen tools and gadgets. Helping others achieve better nutrition for a healthier lifestyle is her mission.

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